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Is anyone doing this with a Bluesound Node 2 or other streaming component?

I have a Bluesound Node 2 that I have been using as a streaming device for Tidal music files, Spotify music files and my own digital music files on a WD MyCloud device. The Bluesound Node 2 has been fed into a Benchmark USB/DAC1 as an external DAC running to a Parasound preamp and Amp. I wanted to know how good the Node 2 (internal DAC) was....so... I ran the Node directly into my Parasound A21. Essentially I am using the Node 2 as both preamp and DAC. It sounds really fantastic. I did this with the Benchmark with good results long ago. Does anyone else do this with a Bluesound device or other streamer? What is the downside, despite the obvious lack of preamp functions (switching sources, volume pot, etc).....
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Showing 2 responses by gosta

gosta's avatar
gosta
202 posts
 
In addition to the fine sound (I have yet to hear a true difference between DAC's of good quality - the same naturally for streamers) the bluesound node also have, I think, a nice working subwoofer output, where you can decide if you want the signal to the monitors be high-passed or not.

Any thoughts on the bluesound vault 2 cd ripper? I need to get rid of my cd's soon.

I also use the Oppo streamer/dac and a Nuprime 10 dac/pre. All of them fine and don't hear any differense to tal about. There might be some minor difference but then you also have to decide for better or worse....
gosta's avatar
gosta
202 posts
 
Interesting. My hearing stops at 14 khz and unfortunately I seem not being able to register a difference in SQ above cd-quality level (or actually less). But I will try again to A/B-test the analog signal from a bluesound directly to the amp with the digital signal from the same bluesound passing a HQ dac, at exatly the same level (not easy) and with not more than one second changing time.
Maybe the problem is that I only use the standard free ethernet cable from the router to the bluesound? And the router receives the signal through 4G.


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